This 0.19 mile stretch of Hill Creek lacked riparian vegetation due to past land use practices. The lack of native riparian vegetation threatened the water quality during low summer flows and provided little suitable habitat for wildlife. Degraded water resources and resulted in high summer water temperatures, erosion, and nutrient inputs.
SOLUTION
The project treated 0.95 acres on Armenian blackberry and added 0.85 acres of native trees and shrubs that over time will create a functioning riparian buffer.
RESULTS
The plantings established will eventually provide shade and improve aquatic and stream side habitat along this stretch of Hill Creek. Re-establishing the native riparian buffer in this tributary stream will benefit fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality by shading the water, filtering out fine sediments and nutrients and eventually contributing large woody debris.
